Obama approves Lynch's request for federal assistance

Tuesday

Oct 30, 2012 at 2:20 PMOct 30, 2012 at 2:23 PM

CONCORD - President Obama today granted Gov. John Lynch' s request for a statewide emergency declaration for direct federal assistance to the state in response to damage caused by the high winds and heavy rains from Hurricane Sandy.

Yesterday, Gov. Lynch sent a letter to President Obama urging him to issue the emergency declaration for New Hampshire to make available federal resources in order to support public safety efforts, protect property, and to avert further damage caused by Hurricane Sandy throughout the state. This declaration will allow the federal government to support sheltering activities, help clear impacted roads and provide needed commodities such as water, emergency generators and other assistance to the state and local communities in responding to the immediate impact of the storm

"The high winds and heavy rains caused widespread power outages, local flooding and temporarily shut down dozens of state and local roadways in counties across the State. I appreciate President Obama's quick action in issuing this emergency declaration, and the ongoing support New Hampshire has received from its federal partners," Gov. Lynch said.

The President's emergency declaration will make direct federal assistance available for impacted communities in all ten counties in New Hampshire.

In the aftermath of the storm, the state will also work with local communities and FEMA to determine the extent of damages to state and local infrastructure and private property caused Hurricane Sandy that could support an additional request for a major disaster declaration.

In the coming days, the state will work with FEMA to determine the extent of damage caused by the storm in New Hampshire.